Fansided

5 potential trade destinations for Kobe Bryant

By Jackson Shannon

Feb 10, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) shoots a three-point basket in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) shoots a three-point basket in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 10, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles against Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) in the fourth quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles against Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) in the fourth quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Cleveland Cavaliers 

Cleveland enters the break atop the Eastern Conference standings at 38 wins and 14 losses. Despite firing head coach David Blatt, the Cavaliers have been playing well and are really benefitting from a healthy Kevin Love. New Coach Tyronn Lue has energized the offense and chosen to speed it up more. For that, the Cavaliers have looked better. LeBron James continues to fill up the stat sheet and make everyone around him better, and Kyrie Irving is having another productive season. Cleveland should have no problem winning the Eastern Conference Championship and making it to the NBA Finals.

Cleveland has depth issues and could really use another productive big man. J.R. Smith is the starting shooting-guard and is averaging 12.9 points per game. The Cavs have been getting production in the guard positions from Mathew Dellavendova, Mo Williams, and Iman Shumpert off the bench, but Kobe would be an upgrade over those three. He could slide into the starting rotation and the Cavaliers could then use J.R. Smith as their sixth man, a role where he has had great previous success in the past. Kobe and LeBron have a strong relationship and have played together on Gold Medal National Teams. The chemistry is there between the two superstars and a reunion could be just what the Cavaliers need to overcome strong Western Conference contenders in Golden State and San Antonio.

Next: 1. Oklahoma City Thunder

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